Chapter 62

Chapter 62: No Need to Endure Such Humiliation

But Madam Cui had no mind to care about any of that.

All at once, a thought struck her—a sharp and unwelcome recollection.

In the Former Court, there had once been a Madam Dong, bestowed with a title of honor, who too had been taken by bandits. After her rescue, to prove her innocence, she had offered herself up for a vow of chastity and handed over her entire dowry to her husband’s household. Only then did her in-laws forgive her.

And now, Sheng Zhi Wan… she too had been captured by bandits—and did not return until the next morning!

Who could say what might have happened during that time? Who could swear she still remained untouched?

“It’s good if that’s not what you meant. I’m tired. I’ll be heading inside to rest.” Sheng Zhi Wan turned, ready to walk into the residence.

Qi Shu Xian’s expression turned unspeakably grim.

“Wait!” Madam Cui called sharply, hurrying to step in front of Sheng Zhi Wan. Her eyes, fevered and eager, swept up and down the girl’s figure. Her voice rang out clearly, “Mother knows you do not wish to speak of what happened yesterday. Zhi Wan, tell Mother the truth—did those men do something to you? Is that why you refuse to speak?”

As she spoke, her eyes even grew faintly red, and her hand reached out, seemingly full of pity as she took hold of Sheng Zhi Wan’s fingers.

“Don’t be afraid. Our Duke’s household is not like those unreasoning families. If you truly suffered mistreatment, there is no need to fear. You were forced—just say the word, and Mother will have Shu Xian avenge you immediately!”

“And as for you, all you must do is follow the example of Former Court’s Madam Dong. Then who would dare speak against you? Mother will still recognize you as daughter-in-law, and Shu Xian will treat you no different than before!”

Her voice was firm and resounding.

Around them, however, fell a silence as deep as death.

Meng Yang, unfamiliar with the tale of Former Court’s Madam Dong, did not understand. But Qi Shu Xian—and the rest of those born and raised in Sheng Kingdom—understood all too well.

“The Duke Qi family really is kindhearted, to even keep a daughter-in-law who’s lost her virtue.”

“If this were any other house, she’d have been beaten to death already!”

“But don’t forget—she is still Princess Ning of Qing.”

“True, but even a princess, once she’s married, must guard her chastity. If she’s sullied, it is her shame.”

The muttering rose and fell, each phrase as sharp as a needle piercing Qi Shu Xian’s ears. His eyes flushed red, and he looked at Sheng Zhi Wan with disbelief.

So that’s why…

That’s why she had been able to return unscathed.

That’s why all those bandits had been slaughtered in a single night.

Something had surely happened. And then she’d silenced them, wiped them all out—yes, it had to be so!

The veins at his temples pulsed visibly.

“Good child, tell Mother—did someone hurt you?” Madam Cui’s voice softened, thick with false sorrow, but her heart beat wild with greed.

Whether or not Sheng Zhi Wan admitted it today, the fact that she’d been taken remained. If she wished to prove her innocence, she had no choice but to follow Madam Dong’s example. If not… public scorn would drown her alive.

She could already see it—a tide of gold, silver, and sparkling jewels filling the coffers.

Qi Shu Xian stared at Sheng Zhi Wan. He opened his mouth, but even he could not hear his own voice. “Zhi Wan, tell me… was it true?”

“Ha!” Sheng Zhi Wan drew back her hand, suddenly laughing. “Hasn’t the Heir already decided what happened?”

Just like her past life.

Even then, he had seen her crawl out of the mud, dirty and exhausted. But because no one else had witnessed what she went through, he had simply believed she’d been defiled.

That time, they had already shared a room before the bandit attack. She couldn’t prove her innocence, even if she wanted to.

But this time was different. She could.

Yet… why should she? Why should she go out of her way to prove herself, just to soothe his suspicions?

As her thoughts drifted back to her past life, a faint, bitter smile crept onto her lips—relieved, yet tinged with sorrow. But in Qi Shu Xian’s eyes, that smile only confirmed his fears.

Something within him snapped—like a taut string that broke with a piercing twang. He suddenly whirled and slammed a fist into the pillar beside him. The wood, as thick as a man’s embrace, cracked in all directions like spiderwebs.

He could justify Meng Yang, for he was a man.

But Sheng Zhi Wan—she was a woman.

A woman must uphold her chastity. That is the law of the world.

His heart writhed in agony.

He couldn’t bear it. But he also knew he mustn’t reveal his emotions now.

Just as Mother said—Zhi Wan had been forced. If he said the wrong thing now, how could she face the world?

He forced his voice out, dry as dust. “Mother is right. You were forced. I… I won’t blame you for anything.”

Ha…

Sheng Zhi Wan nearly laughed aloud—so bitter, it churned her stomach.

“Heir need not sound so aggrieved. If you feel sullied by me, you may rest easy and divorce me here and now. After all, in your heart, I’ve already lost my virtue, haven’t I? Just as well—it’ll clear the way for your beloved Meng Miss.”